erm, not having tax on the bike you're picking up

[Kinvig]

I'm collecting my new wheels today & the seller informs me that there's no tax on it.

How legal is it for me to a) Ride it home, b) ride it to the Ace tomorrow?

Anyone know?

[Biker_Billy]

Can you do the apply and pay for the tax disc online, and get some sort of receipt that you can keep on you to prove its in the post, if you get stopped?

AFAIK, if you dont have a valid tax disc displayed, you shouldnt use the vehicle on a public road - and I think the authorities how the power to impound the vehicle too...? A receipt for a recently purchased tax disc online might provide some mitigation tho...

HTH,

Billy.

[arenalife]

Well it's illegal but I've done it several times. You risk being picked up but it's not likely, Insurance is more important. If you've got your cover note, maybe tax it at a post office when you've got it?

[Kinvig]

yup - got the cover note & I'll take that with me - in case I'm pulled.

I'll try to register it online when I get back - as I'll have the new owners bit of paper.

The big concern I've got is that London's full of traffic cameras!

[rictus01]

yeah, illegal on both counts, I believe it's a civil not criminal offence though, although you can get tax at certain post offices over the counter as long as you have the correct documentation.

Having said that, it's not one of the big ones and "probably" get away with leaving it unti monday, as you'd have to get it backdated to the begining of the month anyway, but don't tel anyone I said so :silent:

Cheers Mark.

[Biker_Billy]

In that case, can you not try to tax it before you pick it up (online):

You will need the reference number off the logbook - can you call the seller and ask him to give it to you?

How does it work?

You tell us the vehicle. You will need either the 16 digit reference number shown on your renewal reminder, or the 11 digit reference number from your Registration Document/Certificate (also known as the Logbook) and your vehicle registration mark (numberplate).
For a new tax disc we check the vehicle is insured and, if applicable has a new style MOT Test Certificate/GVT Certificate or entitlement to disability exemption.
How do we check Insurance,new style MOT Test Certificates and GVT Certificates? (http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/?SKIN=directgov#)
You choose the tax disc you want, 6 or 12 months, and then enter your payment card details.
Note: an additional charge of £2.50 will be added to the amount payable if you use a credit card. Why is there an additional charge on credit cards? (http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/?SKIN=directgov#)
You should receive the new tax disc in the post within 5 working days or a SORN confirmation letter within 4 weeks. Which address are they sent to? (http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/?SKIN=directgov#)

[FG1]

Can you take the money for the tax with you and get the seller to tax it for you ??????

[phil24_7]

If you get pulled tell them your taking it for an MOT as the seller you bought it off had lost the MOT certificate so you don't know when it runs/ran out!

[phil24_7]

Never done that by the way!:rolleyes:

[600+]

easiest and safest thing would be to take the seller with you and he tax's it for you

[Kinvig]

If you get pulled tell them your taking it for an MOT as the seller you bought it off had lost the MOT certificate so you don't know when it runs/ran out!

it's not yet 3 years old - so no mot - i like that idea though!!!!

What I may do is ride it back to London - without tax & feign ignorance....then I did a search online & found out that the Trafalgar Sq Post office is open till 5 pm today - I'll sneak into central London & get it done there & then.

[Kinvig]

easiest and safest thing would be to take the seller with you and he tax's it for you

I asked him to tax it for me & he gave some excuse why he couldn't.


My spidey-sense is beginning to tingle.

[Bear]

Don't do it online: until the ownership is transferred over to you the tax disc will go to him.

What you need is documentation of insurance, MOT and ownership, go into a post office on the way home, and do it there and then. You'll get it over the counter.

If he's selling it, he may have already cancelled the insurance so it can't be taxed by him.

As previous people have said, you probably won't get caught for it, but sooner rather than later!

[Bluepete]

Just be wary of getting pulled! If it's a traffic cop, he may well have the authority to either seize the bike for not being taxed, or call a DVLA rep who will relieve you of £200 on the spot. You would get £120 back once it is taxed, but loose the £80 as a fine. If you can't pay, the bike goes on a truck.

[phil24_7]

Make sure you've got all docs ands some form of payment so if you do get pulled you can show them that your going to get it taxed. Ya should be fine.